INDIA. The aspect of Asterisms or Constellations (Lunar Mansions – Nakshatras) in Vedic astrology has already been examined earlier. Similar to the asterisms, the planets play a significant role while predicting future events through the horoscope of a native, and need an elaborate understanding.
One is unable to make accurate calculations and consequently predictions according to the horoscope (Kundali) in astrology without a thorough study of all the planets. Astrologers base their calculations in regard to future events in the native’s life on the basis of planetary positions in the native’s horoscope, aspects, conjunctions, thereby defining their benefit and malefic dispositions.
In the Vedic system the names of these planets are as given below:
- SUN ( RAVI)
- MOON (CHANDRA)
- MARS (MANGAL OR KUJA)
- MERCURY ( BUDHA)
- JUPITER (GURU OR BRIHASPATI)
- VENUS ( SHUKRA)
- SATURN (SHANI)
- URANUS ( INDRA)
- NEPTUNE (VARUNA)
- PLUTO (RUDRA)
- RAHU (DRAGON’S HEAD)
- KETU (DRAGON’S TAIL)
The Planets and their influence on the native’s horoscope
Although there are eight planets in our solar system, Pluto is also recognized in Vedic astrology. Each Planet in our solar system has a peculiarity and characteristic and the manner in which these celestial bodies affect the native can be studied by applying mathematical calculations, intuition, and accomplished knowledge of the consulting astrologer to determine their individual and collective influence on the native.
Periodically these planets transit (Gochar-Bhraman) and get placed in a particular zodiac sign. This gives vital information about the past, present, and future of the native through an expert reading of his Janma-Lagna kundali (Horoscope) and Shadvarga Kundali’s, such as Navmash Kundali, etc.
Read Also: Astrology: The Sun Signs (Rashi), Their Lordships, And Trikonas (Part IV)
Vedic astrology also gives importance to shadow planets, viz; Rahu and Ketu, which are basically the nodes of the moon, representing dragons head (Rahu) and dragon’s tail (Ketu). These shadows; Rahu and Ketu influence the native in a mysterious manner and in Hindu astrology they are considered extremely important while studying the horoscope.
Astrological planets’ are important because they impact the Earth and all life on earth, which includes human life, well. In our solar system, these celestial bodies revolve around the Sun, whilst Earth revolves and rotates too on its own axis.
The main question arises, how does one go ahead in understanding planets and their specific influence upon the natives ?
A detailed study would be offered in the ongoing series from (IX to XIV) in a pair of 2 planets considered for examination in the subsequent articles. This will give a complete understanding of all the 12 Planets (as per the Vedic astrology) to the natives who wishes to show their horoscopes to practicing astrologers. The aim is to guide them through comprehensive knowledge.
Read Also: Astrology: The Importance Of Moon In Vedic Astrology (Part VII)
